Lawmakers lock horns over Philippine universal healthcare bill

The lower house moved for an equal benefits package for both paying and non-paying members of the state-backed insurance system.

Philippine lawmakers have failed to agree on significant provisions of a proposed universal healthcare bill, which aims for mandatory health insurance coverage for all Filipino citizens.

The deadlock arose after the lower house moved for an equal benefits package for both paying and non-paying members of the state-backed insurance system, known locally as PhilHealth.

This proposal was opposed by the Senate, warning that such a move is unsustainable and may result in a financial crisis.

As a result, the Bicameral Conference Committee has delayed the passage of the bill. A new hearing has been scheduled to determine how new benefit packages and rate increase should be computed in the implementation of the law.